Sentencing To Take Place After Construction Firms Admit Failing To Protect Worker’s Safety
22/06/2011
The family of a construction worker, who was left fighting for his life after being struck by a scaffolding pole that fell 18 floors, will attend court on Friday 24 June 2011 to see the companies responsible sentenced.
Richard Chodkiewicz, a 53-year-old father of five from Lawrence Weston, was left with serious brain injuries after a scaffolding pole fell 18 floors and hit him on the head whilst working at a construction site in Bristol, which is now a Radisson Hotel on Broad Quay in July 2008.
Mr Chodkiewicz required emergency surgery following the accident and was unable to return to work. He continues to face months of painful rehabilitation.
Now, Bristol Crown Court will pass sentence on both Hoistway Ltd and Miller Construction after both parties pleaded guilty to failing to protect the health and safety of Mr Chodkiewicz.
During the criminal prosecution, brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) against Hoistway, a specialist lift company, and main contractor, Miller Construction, it was revealed that the scaffolding pole had not been secured properly, causing it to come loose as it was being winched 18 storeys up inside the lift shaft. The pole fell to the base of the shaft, striking Mr Chodkiewicz who was working below.
Mr Chodkiewicz’s solicitor, serious injury specialist Deborah Bigwood from law firm Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office, is supporting his accident at work claim, working to secure a care package that will provide rehabilitation and financial security for the rest of his life.
She said: “Richard’s family are pleased that the companies responsible for his devastating injuries have pleaded guilty to failing to protect him as he worked at the site and will be attending Court on Friday to hear their sentences handed down.
“Richard’s life has been turned upside down as a result of the wholly avoidable injuries he sustained that day. Despite wearing a safety helmet he was left permanently injured and will never be able to live independently or return to work.
“This particularly horrific workplace accident highlights the importance of the health and safety regulations in place to protect workers who have a fundamental right to know that when they go to work they will return home safely and unharmed.
“Both Hoistway and Miller Construction should have had in place appropriate health and safety and risk assessment checks to ensure that all employees on site were following correct procedures and had the correct equipment readily available to do their jobs.
“It is essential now that lessons are learnt from this tragic case to ensure no one else should have to suffer in the same way going forward.”
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